Mária Orendáčová
Volunteer at the Tandem office in Regensburg, Germany
Contact details: ahoj.info[at]tandem-org.de
I’m Denisa, a young-adult from the Czech Republic.
I enjoy travelling and getting to know new people and cultures. And even if I were to move just around Europe where the living is quite similar, there is always something new to explore. I love helping others through volunteering activities and beyond – it’s a good opportunity to learn new skills while also making a positive impact on the people around me. Recently I’ve been involved mainly in organization of workshops and conferences. And what can be more than either of the things above? The European Solidarity Corps – a full year of volunteering, learning, travelling and life-changing experiences.
For my stay, I chose Tandem, a coordination center for Czech-German youth exchange. Germany is a neighboring country of my homeland, yet I barely know it. What a shame, right? In fact, I have been in Germany only three times before coming to Regensburg, twice just at the airport. Now I will have the opportunity not only to learn more about the country itself but also to foster connections between Czechs and Germans, young people in particular – a group that is close to me. I already knew some German and I am of the opinion that half-learned language is not as good as being fluent in it. Working in Tandem means for sure working in a welcoming and multilingual environment.
It’s no doubt that I am looking forward to what exciting this year holds for me!
Matilda motikat
Volunteer at the Tandem office in Pilsen, CZ
Contact details: matilda[at]ahoj.info
Ahoj, jsem Matilda.
That is almost my entire Czech vocabulary so far. Fortunately, that didn’t stop me from taking up the volunteer position at Tandem in Pilsen. The path that led me to Tandem is going to be the subject of this short self-introduction.
Step 1: Why I’m doing voluntary service.
After graduating from high school this year, I needed a break from studying and from Berlin (my hometown). Sitting idly at home was not an option, which is why I applied for voluntary work. This opportunity to do something meaningful, dive into a foreign culture and gain a first insight into the world of work is a great combination.
Step 2: How I ended up at Tandem.
I met a Czech friend on a language study trip and we regularly exchange letters in English. That’s what gave me the idea to look for volunteer positions in the Czech Republic. To be honest, this country wasn’t my dream destination, but the interview with the head of Tandem convinced me straight away. The task of planning, organising and participating my own youth exchange projects appealed to me. I believe that very few volunteers have the privilege of working as creatively and independently as at Tandem. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised that the Tandem team focusses on the interests and well-being of the volunteers.
Step 3: What enchanted my about Pilsen.
I immediately felt at home in the city of Pilsen during my pre-visit thanks to its lively atmosphere. It is a modern student city equipped with a cute town centre and lots of parks. For me as a book and culture enthusiast, it was also great to learn that there is an English and German library. Another benefit: Prague is only an hour and a half away by train.
Step 4: My outlook for the future.
Regarding my future path at Tandem, I am particularly excited about the big team meeting in Regen. I will get to know the German team and the volunteer Denisa from the Czech Republic as well as learn about Tandem’s goals there. The five-day on-arrival seminar for ESK volunteers in this region is also a highlight I am looking forward to.
However, every day in Pilsen is an adventure that deepens my understanding of the exciting Czech language and culture. Hence, I do not focus on the future, but try to concentrate on the present.